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An actress, author, a fabulous singer and a straight up comedy legend, there isn’t a person in this world who doesn’t know the name…Sandra Bernhard.

First gaining fast attention in the late 1970s with her stand-up comedy routines, Ms. Bernhard would truly skyrocket to fame thanks to her iconic portrayal as kidnapper Masha in Martin Scorcese’s, The King of Comedy. The critically acclaimed role would not only begin to cement Bernhard’s place in Hollywood comedy history, but it would lead her to the recurring role of Nancy on Roseanne (sigh..), for which Bernhard would go on to play the first openly gay character on network television.

A true LGBTQ icon in her own right, Sandra hasn’t stopped in her crusade to ensure that we are all treated equally, but most importantly that we respect our damn selves along the way. And just in time for Philly Pride Week, Ms, Bernhard will be taking to the TLA stage tomorrow night for a fun stop on her Sandemonium tour, which has been garnering some truly fabulous reviews thanks to the always on point–and certainly on time–comedy stylings of this truly legendary comedy diva.

But before she lets loose for Philly(get those tickets right here), Ms. Bernhard stopped by Philly Mixtape for a delectable spot of Pride tea where she broke mugs about, well, it all because you show she is, kids and we love it.

Take a sip alongside the incredible Sandra Bernhardbelow.

Kicking off our little spill, how are you these days? Everything’s great! Very, very busy. Very productive. Lot of good things happening and sort of working around the times we’re living in……which can tend to be a little bit–ya know–draining and exhausting politically. I’m always trying to lift up the work I do with good entertainment. [I’ve been doing] a lot on my radio show, Sandyland on Sirius XM on radio Andy(Andy Cohen’s network) interviewing people and having really smart conversations. [That’s] also been a great platform for me to talk about whatever’s going on in my life day-to-day. It’s been a really good incubator to come up with new material for my live shows. So, it’s all happening! And of course, I’m very excited to come back to Philadelphia, I haven’t been back in a while. It’s a great classic American city!

You’ve also been getting back to acting quite a bit as well. Break some mugs for everyone about your latest venture….I’m [in] Ryan Murphy’s new show Pose. It’s more of a dramatic role, I’m playing a nurse in the AIDS ward in the ’80s, which is the time frame [the show] takes place in. I’m really excited about this. It’s a time I can really relate to. I lost a lot of friends back during the AIDS crisis. It’s supposed to be a recurring role, so hopefully I’ll be back!

Taking a serious sip for a moment, there’s so much sensitivity these days when it comes ro crossing lines with politics and comedy. How do you personally find the ways to balance it all out? I think there’s a happy medium in a way to balance it all out, which is what I’ve been able to do. It helps you stay fresh and imaginative so you’re not just falling back on the same thing you always fall back on. It kind of forces you to go into new areas of your imagination. It’s a good thing because you have to keep recreating your work as the years go by.

It’s true what they say…reinvention is the key to life. Absolutely. It keeps it interesting.

So, here we are, right in the kick off of Pride month! What words of wisdom would you say to all of those fabulous kids out there who are just finding their true selves and are ready to celebrate? I think the most important thing is to stay educated and go to college and experience everything that anybody would experience and not limit and define yourself to your sexuality. I think that’s what’s kept my life interesting is that I stayed open and got to spend time and meet people from all different walks of life and cultures. I think that when everything’s defined by your religion, gender or sexual preference, you sometimes cut off a lot of experiences that can really enrich you and help [you] become a more complete person. That’s always my best advice is to just keep things very open and throw yourself into a lot of conversations and different ways of seeing the world.

Moving on to your fabulous stage show. How would you personally best describe it? My work is always very personal so [the show] is like taking a little road trip with Sandy through my day-to-day life! Some things are sort of fictionalized and I just kind of bounce all over the place. It’s kind of hard to describe because my shows are never like one idea. It’s very stream of consciousness–I go from one kind of thought and woven insights [mixed in with] music and songs that are very eclectic. It’s fast paced and at times its introspective. You get to know me and see the world through my lens.

So, let’s talk music. Who’s rockin’ your world these days? A lot of the stuff that I’m listening to was recommended to me by my daughter who’s a sophomore in college. I don’t really listen to albums anymore because the way of listening to music is so different–I just pick up a song here and there–Childish Gambino, Fleet Foxes. I certainly try to stay on top of it! There’s a thousand new performers and so many great songs out there.

I guess it certainly helps having a teenage daughter around! It is good because otherwise I end up listening to a lot of stuff I’ve been listening to for years. It’s kinda cool because she likes a lot of that stuff too, so we go back-and-forth. It’s a nice bonding experience.

One last sip…what does the word “pride” mean to you? It’s having your own identity and being clear who you are as an individual. I think it’s always great to have the support of the crowd behind you and be part of a group. But I also think that you also have to break away and walk through life and navigate your way around wherever you are. Be able to stand on your own.

While the next few months are all about feeling fabulous, heading down the beach, bitching about sunburns and pining over short-lived flings, what’s most important during the summer months is to make sure those sun-kissed playlists are stockpiled high with lots and lots of delicious grooves.

Which is why you should absolutely stay tuned to Philly Mixtape all summer long as there’s bound to be multiple servings of some of the hottest tracks this side of slay….and it all begins right now for your Memorial Day Weekend.

So, lather up the Banana Boat and dive into ten must have additions to your pulsating playlists featuring smokin’ hot remixes of Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa, sizzling sonnets from Pia Mia, Camila Cabello, Pharell Williams and Gorgon City, and one Janet classic that seemingly gets better with age.

With that being said….here we go now…get busy.

Happy summerstreaming!

Ariana Grande/”No Tears Left to Cry”(DJ Linuxis Remix) Sigh….how many more f#$king days until Sweetener owns our lives? But in the meantime, hey summer…we see you.

Pia Mia/”Ocean Drive”Whether cruisin’ down Ocean Drive in Miami or Broad Street right here in Philly….turn this shit up.

Gorgon City/Kamille/Ghosted/”Go Deep” You know what they say….the deeper, the better. We’re talking about that beat here…get your mind out of the gutter and..dance.

Allie X/”Vintage” One for the start of your summer romance…….

Cardi B/Khelani/”Ring”……and one for the end of it.

Calvin Harris/Dua Lipa/”One Kiss”(Jauz Remix) Obsessed with the original and its accompanying video? (btw…yas, Ms. Lipa, yas) Then you’ll absolutely want to dive into every synthed-up smooch of this fiery rewerk.

Camilla Cabello/Pharell Williams/”Sangria Wine” There’s a one-hundred percent chance your drunk uncle is going to attempt to “Wine” it up at a wedding this summer. Ay dios mio, indeed.

Janet/”Throb” Because summer life just isn’t complete without this janet. banger, um, throbbing in the background.

And for the love of all things SPF, please be safe out there….you getting arrested for being stupid is not what this weekend’s about.

So, with that being said, let’s unofficially kick off summer, shall we?

Yes.

Sing Your Life Karaoke Not only will you have plenty to do in Philly this holiday weekend, but you’ll also have lots of places to go and sing your little heart out thanks to the lovely Ms. Sara Sherr and her always sun-kissed Sing Your Life Karaoke collection. Belt it out this weekend and beyond at any of these fabulous locations listed below. Fri/9-1 Southhouse, 2535 S. 13th St.Saturday/9-1:45 Les & Doreen’s Happy Tap,1301 E Susquehanna Ave Sun/9-2 Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South Street Tues/9-2 12 Steps Down, 9th and Christian Thurs/9-2 Milkboy South Street/401 South St.

Delaware River Waterfront It’s official! The Philly Waterfront is now officially open for the season……and we’re all invited. Ready, set, hammocks all summer long. For more details on this summer’s flowing festivities including fun for the kids, fabulous music and where and how you can get your yoga on, you should absolutely check this out right now.

Mayer Hawthorne It certainly has been “A Long Time,” hasn’t it, Mr. Hawthorne? If you’re looking for what’s sure to be the most vibed out show of your holiday weekend, this is it. Plus, this is also your official Daryl Halland John Oatespresented Hoagie Nation pre-party event! (see below). So, get those tickets because they will sell out before tonight’s show. But first, watch this f@#king epic music video. Tonight/The Fillmore/8 pm/29 East Allen St.

HoagieNationIt’s baaaack! And this year, Philly’s annual hoagie-stravagana is more stuffed than ever. Oh, wait, that’s us when it’s all said and done. Plus, the music of City of Brotherly Love entertainment legends Hall & Oates (plus Train & Fitz and the Tantrums!) helps this spectacular holiday weekend event shine in every way possible. Don’t miss it! Get those tickets here and now! Saturday/3 pm/Festival Pier/Columbus Blvd & Spring Garden Streets

Mamma Mia! Since there’s still two grueling months left until the much, much-anticipated Mamma Mia!sequel hits the big screens–that’s like twenty years in Meryl and Cher time–why not go see the acclaimed national production to help pass the seconds along while it’s in Philly this summer? Yes. Just a word to your bell bottoms…tickets are going quick, because as we all know this show is life within itself, so don’t delay and shimmy on over to them right here and right now. Ready, set, “Fernando.” Tonight-through July 15th/various showtimes/ticket prices/Walnut Street Theater/825 Walnut St.

8th Annual Philly Tango Fest You know you’re, like, so tempted to go right here to tango it up for more info on this sure-to-be sizzling holiday weekend event. Plus, the title says it all…and what a Fest it shall be. Tonight-Monday, May 28th/Lithuanian Music Hall/2715 E. Allegheny Avenue

Festival Pier Whether it was Post Malone and 21 Savage this past Wednesday, Khalid tonight or Down North on Saturday,, Festival Pier has certainly wasted no time in getting the unofficial summer party started. Of course, there’s still much, much more on the way, so check this out right here as it’s your official gateway to all kinds of sun-kissed shenanigans down by the River this summer. Various dates& showtimes/Columbus Blvd & Spring Garden Streets

Pop Muzik:Memorial Day Staycation Sunday For those choosing to stay in the city this weekend, there is absolutely no need to fret. Because not only are you making a wise decision (Philly can be so peaceful when there’s no one around), but you’ll be here for a most fabulous dance party presented by the one, the only, DJ Robert Drake. Not only will he be spinning out those classic cuts all night long, but he’ll be getting you even more hype for the Depeche Mode takeover of Wells Fargo Center on June 3rd. Plus, you’ll get to check out the city’s newest hot-spot, Concourse Dance Bar! There’s really nothing left to say but stay…and dance for your life. Sunday/9 pm/Concourse Dance Bar/1635 Market St.

Sunday Tea:Memorial Day Weekend Edition Just keep on dancin’ this weekend…..it’s really that simple. Plus if you haven’t stepped a fancy stiletto inside Maison 208yet, tonight’s the night like Rod to do so. Let’s boogie. Sunday/2 pm-8pm/Maison 208/208 S. 13th St.